A 34-year-old man arrives at the clinic complaining of nasal congestion and coughing for the past five days. He claims to cough up thick, yellow phlegm on occasion and is concerned about his lack of progress. The patient states that he has previously gotten antibiotics for identical symptoms and that "antibiotics always seem to make me feel better quickly." The temperature is 37.2 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit), the blood pressure is 120/70 mm Hg, the pulse rate is 76 beats per minute, and the respirations rate is 18 beats per minute. The physical examination reveals pharyngeal erythema; the rest of the test, including the cardiovascular evaluation, is normal. Which of the following physician replies is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: This afebrile patient with normal lung function is most likely suffering from a viral upper respiratory infection. The physician is confronted with the usual clinical challenge of responding to an unneeded antibiotic prescription request. Despite the fact that many patients are given antibiotics for upper respiratory infections, antibiotic usage in uncomplicated upper respiratory infections is linked with an increased risk of unpleasant effects, no benefit over placebo, and an increase in antibiotic resistance.
A patient-centered approach that supports the patient's worries, informs the patient on the bad effects of antibiotics and their lack of efficacy in treating viral infections, and gives choices for treating the patient symptomatically is the most appropriate response. This must be done in a compassionate and nonjudgmental manner that contributes to, rather than detracts from, the building process. the physician-patient relationship. The physician should refrain from prescribing antibiotics and advise the patient to return if symptoms persist or worsen.

A 34-Year-Old Man Arrives at the Clinic Complaining of Nasal